Tag Archives: guests

Planning The Cocktail Party

The best laid schemes of mice, men and cocktail party planners often go astray if things are not properly planned. A “to do” list is a big help because that way you don’t have to rely on just your memory to get things done. Check items off one at a time until there are none left. (There is no need to check twice, as naughty or nice is not applicable here.) Consider creating a permanent “party” template on your computer. Make it official. Call it imaginatively, “eternal party planning list.” The things you have to do before your company arrives … Continue reading →

Make Your Guests Feel at Home

I’ve found that one of the best ways to make your guests feel at home is to put yourself in their shoes. How do you feel when you stay at someone else’s home? Are you relaxed, or is it sometimes awkward? In which homes do you feel the most relaxed? I know that even when I stay with close relatives or friends, I tend to feel a little awkward no matter how hard they try to make me feel comfortable. I presume that my guests feel the same way, so I try to make sure they don’t have to ask … Continue reading →

The Guest Room: A New Horror Tale

If it isn’t bad enough that guests are coming soon, consider the room they will be staying in during their horrible sojourn. That catchall storage place since the attic and basement filled up is a mess and hasn’t seen a guest since the last solar eclipse. Probably the best advice is to consider the guest room “a form of self-expression, which can be “worn” as writer, Peter Jensen, says, “as a great comfortable coat that may have a hole at the elbow.” This will allow you to forgive yourself for the way it looks, even if your guests won’t. (If … Continue reading →

Guests and Fireplaces: A Warm Combination

There are few things more inviting on a cold night than a crackling fire. If you have a fireplace, you will want to utilize its cozy promise to all those who pass your threshold. If you don’t have one, then don’t worry about this unless you want to rush out and buy one before your guests arrive. Below are some hopefully helpful tips to setting up a “friendly fire” for all to enjoy. 1. Light the fire about one-half hour before company is expected. This way, it will only need an occasional poke to keep going. (Your guests may need … Continue reading →

Expecting Company? No? Well, They’re Here!

What if company is coming and you have only five minutes to get everything in order? Put that gun down and think! Here are some quick tips that won’t solve your long-term problem, but may forestall criticism by making things LOOK like they’re in order. Try to push aside all thoughts of that famous old radio show, Fibber McGee and Molly, whose catchall closet collapsed upon opening. 1. Enlist the help of everyone. Scoop up troops for Operation Wayward Debris. If there’s time, put everything back where it belongs; if there isn’t throw everything lying around (except for children, pets … Continue reading →

Dealing with In-Laws

Ah, the mother-in-law joke. Where would we be without it? Comedians and sit coms have become very popular for poking fun at your mother in-law, and though I’ll bet she’s not as bad as the jokes make out, there is some truth to the jokes, and that is why sometimes it’s so hard to get along with them. Traditionally, your husband has to impress your father in the beginning, but you have to impress his mom. Not only are you marrying each other, you are marrying into an entire family. This article will discuss in-laws regarding the mother in-law, and … Continue reading →

Making Guests Comfortable in Your Home

When you have guests staying in your home, you may be as uncomfortable as they are at first. In order to relax, and to help your guests relax, do whatever it takes to make them feel at home. With some people, it may be as easy as saying, “Make yourself at home.” With others, it takes more effort. Think about how you feel when you are visiting someone else’s home. It can be awkward to keep asking where things are located or to ask for help. Make sure your guests know where everything is and that they are welcome to … Continue reading →

Protocol for Visiting a Muslim Home

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Whether you are Muslim or not, you could find yourself invited to a Muslim home. There are certain rules of etiquette you should be aware of. Although your Muslim hosts will understand if you inadvertently slip up, they will be impressed that you took the time to learn their ways. [h]Should You Bring a Gift?[/h] While it is certainly not mandatory to bring a gift while visiting, it is a nice touch. Most Muslims do bring a token gift when invited for a meal. Many also bring a gift on the first visit. So, what should you bring? If you … Continue reading →